Passport Services

Indian Passport Timeline in the UK

autohr img By Vipul Jain | 22 May, 2025
Indian Passport Timeline in the UK

Do you know that while residing in the UK, you can apply for Indian passport services without visiting India? Yes, the Indian government has simplified the Indian passport services for its applicants. In the UK and other countries, the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) handle all the Indian passport services. However, before applying, it is vital to understand the Indian passport timeline in the UK, as it varies from the Indian timeline. It further assists in the smooth application process and avoids any delays. Are you also applying for Indian passport services in the UK? If yes, then this blog is for you. It consists of the information related to the timeline for an Indian passport in the UK and how to fast-track it. So, let's begin reading and gain some understanding.

What is the Timeline for an Indian Passport in the UK?

The timeline for an Indian passport in the UK varies depending on the application service type. Generally, an Indian passport renewal timeline in the UK is 4-5 weeks, and the reissuing of a passport is 6-8 weeks. However, this processing time may vary depending on the police verification report (PVR) and individual circumstances. If your PVR is clear, the passport application will quickly get processed, but in case it is pending or unclear, it can delay the application procedure for 30 days or more. Additionally, the surrendering of an Indian passport takes approximately 15-21 working days in the UK, once the Indian Consulate or Embassy receives the application. Here is a breakdown of the Indian passport timeline in the UK, as per the application type and application centers in the country:

➔ Surrendering of Indian passport - VFS Edinburgh - Aug 2024

Date Status Update
5-Aug-2024 Application submitted at VFS Edinburgh (tracking and DX courier paid)
13-Aug-2024 Contacted VFS; informed that the application is still in process
14-Aug-2024 DX delivery SMS received
16-Aug-2024 DX delivered the Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport

➔ Timeline for Surrender of Indian Passport - VFS Center UK - Oct 2024

Date Event / Comments
9-Oct-2024 Appointment scheduled and documents submitted
9-Oct-2024 Fee received and application forwarded to Embassy
10-Oct-2024 Application under processing at Embassy
11-Oct-2024 Surrender certificate printed
14-Oct-2024 Documents dispatched by VFS via Royal Mail
15-Oct-2024 Surrender certificate received

➔ Indian Passport Renewal - VFS Birmingham - OCT 2024

Date Status Update
16-Oct-2024 Submitted passport application at VFS Birmingham
17-Oct-2024 Passport application and fee received; under processing at Embassy/Consulate
25-Oct-2024 Application under review at Embassy/Consulate; Police verification email received
26-Oct-2024 The passport has been printed and will be delivered shortly
29-Oct-2024 Passport forwarded to Embassy/Consulate for dispatch
29-Oct-2024 Status reverted to: Application under review at Embassy/Consulate
-- Contacted Embassy – confirmed passport is in transit from India, expected delivery in 2–3 days
2-Nov-2024 Passport delivered by DX
Total processing time 14 working days

➔ Indian Passport Renewal - VFS Goswell - OCT 2024

Date Status Update
4-Oct-2024 Application submitted at VFS Goswell
4-Oct-2024 Application under processing at the High Commission
15-Oct-2024 Application under review at the High Commission; police verification email received
17-Oct-2024 Police verification completed
23-Oct-2024 Passport printed
25-Oct-2024 Passport handed over to OSP by the High Commission
28-Oct-2024 Passport delivered

➔ Indian Passport Renewal Application - VFS Goswell - Nov 2024

Date Event
21-Nov-2024 Application submitted at VFS London, Goswell
21-Nov-2024 to 27-Nov-2024 Application under processing at Indian Embassy
28-Nov-2024 Application status updated to "Under review"
29-Nov-2024 to 03-Dec-2024 Status: "Print initiated for the Passport"
04-Dec-2024 to 06-Dec-2024 Passport printed
9-Dec-2024 Passport handed over to OSP; VFS dispatch SMS received
10-Dec-2024 SMS from DX Courier: Delivery scheduled for 11-Dec
11-Dec-2024 Passport collected in person from DX Dartford center

➔ Indian Passport Application Timeline - VFS Center - Nov 2024

Date Event / Comments
4-Nov-2024 Appointment and document submission
4-Nov-2024 Fee received and application sent to Embassy (Passport Seva update)
5-Nov-2024 Application under processing at Embassy
6-Nov-2024 Surrender certificate printed (Passport Seva update)
7-Nov-2024 Documents dispatched by VFS / Royal Mail (if applicable)
8-Nov-2024 Surrender certificate received (please provide actual date)

➔ Surrendering of Spouse Indian passport - VFS Hounslow - November 2024

Date Status Update
4-Nov-2024 Application submitted at VFS Hounslow
5-Nov-2024 Email received: Application dispatched to the High Commission of India / Consulate General for processing
8-Nov-2024 Passport application and fee received; under processing at the Embassy/Consulate
12-Nov-2024 No update; emailed inf.london@mea.gov.in for status
13-Nov-2024 Reply from Embassy: Application under process; moved to next phase
13-Nov-2024 Surrender Certificate under review at the Indian Embassy
14-Nov-2024 Surrender Certificate granted and available for issuance
18-Nov-2024 Surrender Certificate printed
19-Nov-2024 Processed application dispatched via DX/Royal Mail
19-Nov-2024 DX delivery SMS received
20-Nov-2024 DX delivered the Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport

➔ Indian passport Surrender at VFS Hounslow - November 2024

Date Status Update
28-Nov-2024 Application submitted at VFS Hounslow
28-Nov-2024 Application dispatched to the High Commission of India (HCI)
3-Dec-2024 Passport application and fee details received; under processing at the Embassy/Consulate
6-Dec-2024 Surrender Certificate printed
9-Dec-2024 VFS dispatch SMS received
10-Dec-2024 Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport delivered

➔ Indian passport surrender - VFS Goswell - Jan 2025

Date Status Update
3-Jan-2025 Application submitted at VFS Goswell
3-Jan-2025 Application received
4-Jan-2025 Application under review
4-Jan-2025 Surrender Certificate granted
5-Jan-2025 Surrender Certificate printed
21-Jan-2025 Certificate posted
22-Jan-2025 Certificate delivered

➔ Indian passport surrender - VFS Hounslow- Jan 2025

Date Status Update
6-Jan-2025 Application Submitted at VFS Hounslow
6-Jan-2025 Passport application along with fee details received; under processing at the Embassy/Consulate
7-Jan-2025 Surrender Certificate is under review at the Indian Embassy
7-Jan-2025 Surrender Certificate is granted and is available for issuance
7-Jan-2025 Surrender Certificate has been printed
8-Jan-2025 DX SMS received stating delivery by tomorrow
9-Jan-2025 DX delivered the Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport

➔  Surrender of Indian passport  Application - VFS Leicester - Jan 2025

Date Status Update
18-Jan-2025 Application Submitted Online
06-Feb-2025 Application & Documents Submitted at VFS Leicester
07-Feb-2025 Passport application along with fee details received; under processing at the Embassy/Consulate
08-Feb-2025 Surrender Certificate is under review at Indian Embassy
09-Feb-2025 Surrender Certificate is granted and is available for issuance
10-Feb-2025 Surrender Certificate has been printed
12-Feb-2025 DX delivery SMS received
13-Feb-2025 DX delivered Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport

➔ Renunciation /Surrendering of Indian Citizenship - VFS Goswell - Jan 2025

Date Status Update
03-Feb-2025 Application Submitted Online
06-Feb-2025 Application & Documents Submitted at VFS Goswell
06-Feb-2025 Passport application along with fee details received; under processing at the Embassy/Consulate
07-Feb-2025 Surrender Certificate is under review at Indian Embassy
08-Feb-2025 Surrender Certificate is granted and is available for issuance
09-Feb-2025 Surrender Certificate has been printed
10-Feb-2025 DX delivery SMS received
11-Feb-2025 DX delivered Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport

➔ Indian passport surrender for Minor - VFS Goswell - Feb 2025

Date Status Update
26-Feb-2025 Application submitted at VFS Goswell
27-Feb-2025 Passport application and fee details received; under processing at Embassy/Consulate
28-Feb-2025 Surrender Certificate under review at Indian Embassy
07-Mar-2025 DX delivered Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport

➔ Apply For Surrender Certificate - VFS Edinburgh - March 2025

Date Status Update
27-Mar-2025 Application submitted at VFS Edinburgh
27-Mar-2025 Passport application and fee details received; under processing at Embassy/Consulate
28-Mar-2025 Surrender Certificate is under review at Indian Embassy
29-Mar-2025 Surrender Certificate granted and available for issuance
29-Mar-2025 Surrender Certificate has been printed
04-Apr-2025 DX delivery SMS received
05-Apr-2025 Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport delivered

➔ Cancelled Indian Passport - VFS Leicester - Apr-2025

Date Status Update
21-Apr-2025 Application submitted at VFS Leicester
21-Apr-2025 Passport application and fee details received; under processing at Embassy/Consulate
22-Apr-2025 Surrender Certificate under review at Indian Embassy
23-Apr-2025 Surrender Certificate granted and available for issuance
23-Apr-2025 Surrender Certificate printed
24-Apr-2025 DX delivery SMS received
25-Apr-2025 Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport delivered

➔ Surrender Indian Citizenship - VFS Goswell - May 2025

Date Status Update
05-May-2025 Application submitted at VFS Goswell
06-May-2025 Passport application and fee details received; under processing at Embassy/Consulate
07-May-2025 Surrender Certificate under review at Indian Embassy
08-May-2025 Surrender Certificate granted and available for issuance
9-May-2025 Surrender Certificate printed
12-May-2025 DX delivery SMS received
13-May-2025 Surrender Certificate and Cancelled Indian Passport delivered

What to Expect at the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Center in the UK?

You can expect the following things at the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Center in the UK:

  • On the appointment day of your passport, reach the VFS center 15 minutes before the appointment time to avoid any delays.
  • Along with your passport application, bring the requested documents. In addition, do not forget to carry the appointment confirmation letter.
  • At the entrance of the application centre, a security officer will greet you and, after verifying the information, provide you with a token number for the right passport service. In the waiting area, sit down and wait for your number to be called out for the appointment.
  • When you arrive at the desk, provide the required documents along with your passport application and pay the passport service fee.
  • Once the application process is done, you will be provided with tentative timelines and a payment receipt. In addition, after getting approval, you will get notified through a text message to collect your submitted documents.

This is what you can expect during your visit to the VFS Global center. Additionally, for safety and security purposes, the application center has the right to conduct your research. Now, moving ahead, let's know the factors impacting the Indian passport timeline in the UK.

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Factors Impacting the Indian Passport Timeline in the UK

These are the following factors that impact the Indian passport timeline in the UK:

  • Application Type: The passport application type also impacts the processing time. For instance, renewal of a passport takes more time than the expedited or emergency passport applications.
  • Case Complexity: Circumstances including missing information, a requirement of additional documents, or other issues will likely delay the Indian passport timeline in the UK.
  • Increased Volume of Applications: The increased volume of passport applications at the Indian consulate or embassy can also impact the processing time, especially during high travel season.
  • Police Verification: In case the police verification is required, if the report is not clear or pending, then the Indian passport timeline in the UK also increases.

These are the factors that affect the Indian passport timeline in the UK. Although one cannot control any of these factors, but through proper understanding and some tips can try to avoid them. Want to know what they are? Read the next section and get your answers.

How to Fast-Track the Indian Passport Timeline in the UK?

Although you can speed up the standard Indian passport timeline in the UK. However, by following the tips mentioned below, you can avoid further delays:

  • Fill out the online passport application form with the correct details.
  • Provide the requested documents as per the application type and given size.
  • All the mentioned information in the application should match the passport and submitted documents, such as your DOB, name, and more.
  • Pay the passport fee and on the appointment day, reach the centre on time.
  • Upload the signature and the passport-size photo in the required size.
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Ease Your Indian Passport Application in UK with Visament

This was all about the Indian passport timeline in the UK and how you can speed up the process by avoiding several factors. With this handling, the Indian passport application alone in a foreign country without a proper understanding of the process can be daunting. But why face this when you have the solution by your side? Contact Visament and ease your Indian passport application in the UK. Our experts help you complete the online passport application form and, via email, send it back to you with an application number. In addition, book your appointment at the VFS center on your behalf. Our team is 24*7 available to help, so you can connect with us anytime whenever you need our assistance for your Indian passport services in the UK or anywhere in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can get an Indian passport within 3-4 working days, excluding the application processing time of VFS, and if the police verification report is clear and all documents are submitted in proper order. In case the report is pending or not clear, the processing time may take 30 or more days to process, excluding the VFS application processing time.

In general, passport surrender takes more time than passport renewal, which is primarily done for acquiring citizenship of another country and renouncing of Indian citizenship.

Generally, the passport renewal process in the UK takes 3 weeks. However, this time may vary depending on factors like individual circumstances, the requirement of additional documents, or increased volume of passport applications.

In the UK, surrendering an Indian passport generally takes 4 to 5 weeks after the submission of the application at the VFS centre. In case you are also renouncing your Indian citizenship, the surrendering Indian passport may take longer, i.e., 3 to 6 months for the State Department of Washington, D.C. to adjudicate and consider your passport application.

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